Istanbul: Samatya - Armenian District Walking Tour
ID: GYG18253-18253
Category:
Country: Turkey
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
Discover the rich history of Istanbul on a guided walk through the traditionally Armenian districts of Samatya and Kocamustafapasa. Discover Latin churches, Greek monasteries, and Muslim mosques that paint a vibrant portrait of the city’s past.
Explore Istanbul through the history of its Armenian neighborhoods on a 3-hour walking tour of Samatya and Kocamustafapasa. Site of the traditional Istanbul Fish Festival, and roughly coinciding with the location of the old city of Constantinople, Samatya’s attractions include the Surp Kevork (St. George) Church, also called the Sulu Monastery, which dates back from before the Ottoman conquest.
You will also see Greek orthodox churches, such as Hristos Analipsis and Haghios Menas, adding a colorful local atmosphere to the lively neighborhood. Visit the Ramazan Efendi Camii by the notable architect and engineer of the Ottoman era, Mimar Sinan.
Continue to Kocamustafapaşa Camii, the former Byzantine Church of St Andrew. Heavily transformed during both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, it remains one of the few churches in Istanbul still extant, whose foundation goes back to the 6th century.
Highlights
- Stop at Ramazan Efendi Mosque and Complex, Sümbül Efendi Mosque and Complex, Sulu Monastery, Greek and Armenian Churches, Samatya Square
- See Greek, Armenian, and Latin churches
- Explore the Samatya and Kocamustafapasa districts of Istanbul
- Learn about Armenian history, traditions and customs in Turkey
- Discover the site of one of Istanbul's largest fish markets and festivals
- Go to the Sünbül Efendi Mosque and see the tomb of the founder of the Sunbuliyye Sufi order
- Visit the Kocamustafapaşa Camii, where the foundations go back to the 6th century
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• The exact time of entry to churches and mosques may vary with each visit
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You are required to bring and wear a mask
Pickup is available from centrally-located Istanbul hotels within Taksim Square, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Sultanahmet, and Fatih neighborhoods.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
